ained for him the best education in his power. First he was sent to
Magdeburg, but finding it impossible to support himself at that place,
he moved to Eisenach. Among the professors was the learned John
Trebonius, who, whenever he entered the schoolroom, raised his cap. One
of his colleagues inquired why he did so? `There are among those boys,
men of whom God will one day make burgomasters, counsellors, doctors,
and magistrates. Although you do not see them with the badges of their
dignity, it is right that you should treat them with respect,' was the
answer. Martin had been two years at Erfurth, and was twenty years old,
when, one day, examining the books in the public library, he found a
Latin Bible--a rare book--unknown in those days. Till then he imagined
that the fragments selected by the Church to be read to the people
during public worship composed the whole Word of God. From that day it
became his constant study and delight. A severe illness, brought on by
hard study, gave him time for meditation. He felt a strong desire to
become a monk, under the belief that by so doing he should attain to
holiness. All this time living with the excellent Cotta family, nothing
could be more exemplary and orderly than his life. Though animated and
lively and delighting in music, he had, from his boyhood, been
serious-minded and earnest in the extreme, and at no period did he give
way to the excesses of which his enemies accuse him. On his recovery
from his illness, he paid a visit to his parents at Mansfeldt; but he
did not venture to express the wish he entertained of entering a
monastery, from fearing that his father would disapprove of it. On his
return journey he was overtaken by a fearful storm, and he made a vow
that, should he escape destruction, he would devote himself to the
service or God. His whole desire was now to attain holiness. He
believed that he could not find it in the world. He bade farewell to
his friends, he entered the cloister, his father's expostulations and
anger caused him grief, but he persevered. In spite of all the penances
and severities he underwent, he could not attain to the holiness he
sought. It was not to be found in the convent. He found, too, a true
friend in Staupitz, the Vicar-general of the Augustines for all Germany,
a man eminent for his learning, his liberality, and true piety. The
elector, Frederick the Wise, founded, under his direction, the
University of Wittemb